Morning journal and courier., 1887-05-17

The Historical Society Favored With
 a Fine Paper by Professor Dexter
 Early Times of Far Reaching Politi-
 cal Importance Vividly Recalled.
 Professor Franklin B. Dexter's reading be- fore the New Haven Colony Historical society last evening was wholly from letters received by Chief Justice David Daggett. It was a most judicious and careful selection of parts of intimate private letters proper to be read on so public an occasion.
 From his home in Attleboro, Mass, in 17S1 the late chief justice of Connecticut came to Yale college and this city to complete his study for his profession. He left college in 17S3. His college life was in the stormy years at the close of the revolution. He next travelled in the southern States, and letters were read telling of the stats of feeli ng in the Carolinas and Virginia. In the latter State a dreadful prejudice existed against the North, and fierce jealousy was manifested to- ward New England. Britons, Scots and Irish were welcomed in preference to men or women from the northern States. The society South was intolerable for long years after peace was established. Religion, education and customs in the North, though not the best, purest or most peaceful, had really prev alent power. Letters from Rhode Island showed the people there in deadly opposition to the U. s. constitution. It seemed impossi- ble in those dark days of uncertainty and bit terness that united, stable government could be established. As the professor continued reading his audience were treated to con- tents of missives from Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Burr and other actors no less prominent, such as John Jay, Fisher Ames, Governor John Cotton Smith, Zepha- niah Swift. April IT, 1794 the question of registrations of debts due the English was agitated. Graphic word pictures of the so- ciety in Washington and in Philadelphia were drawn. Consolidation and wise counsel were shrewdly brought to bear and the stormiest party elements quailed at last. The unpopularity of President Adams was clearly shown by New Haven letters telling of his visit here in 1900 and cold reception. Inner views of the Hartford eonventionists were given. To some at that time it seemed as if the satanic reign had come, and people were almost in despair. The final suppression of Shay's and the whiskey rebellions was de- picted by the letters to have aided greatly the establishment of the government. letters were of deep interest. The news of peace December 21, 1915, was hailed with widest joy. It came on Sunday and almost turned the day into Fourth of July celebra- ton. The iubilation continued all the day following. The story of the Center, North and Episcopal churches was freshly brought to mind by the letters of 1914 and 1915. Party spirit in the early years of the republic was far more rancorous and bitter than any known since.
 MT. Benjamin Moves, when at the close op.. portunity was given for remarks, spoke of Abram Bishop, whose life and services had been shown as power in his day. Only twenty-three vessels belonged to this port on his appointment to office and $350, ,00O was the receipt for customs.
 Governor Bowers made few timely and witty remarks; also Thomas R. Trowbridge, jr., and others spoke. The usual vote of thanks was unanimously voted and all were pleased as well as edifed greatly.